After the Crash: When to call a lawyer

Some car and motorcycle accident cases are so minor a lawyer is not required. If you did not suffer any injuries and just sustained mild property damage, your insurance company (and the other party’s company) can generally sort things out. If you or one of your passengers has been injured, then you should speak to a lawyer before you do anything else. Also consider consulting with an attorney if your accident is more complex, if you are offered a swift settlement or if the other driver is trying to get you to accept some liability. 

When there are injuries in an accident or there are more complex issues involved, then an attorney can almost always ensure you get a better outcome for your case. Working with an attorney also means the other parties involved will have to treat you fairly. If you are unsure if your case needs legal attention, consider the scenarios below: 

4 Times to Call a Redlands Car Accident Lawyer

  • You’re not sure what to do: If you’ve been injured and don’t know what to do next or are overwhelmed, an attorney can always help. A free consultation can be used to assess your case and let you know if you need an attorney, or help you determine next steps. 
  • You’ve been in a complex accident: A simple straightforward accident may not require the assistance of an attorney, but one with special circumstances will. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident or an accident with a fatality or significant injuries, you should get legal help. If you were hit by a commercial vehicle like a truck, someone driving for Uber or there were more than two vehicles involved, legal assistance can help untangle things and ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to by law. 
  • You’ve been offered a hasty settlement: If the insurance company seems to be in a hurry and offers you a settlement, you might be offered less than you are entitled to; you should always check with a lawyer and have any settlement reviewed. The difference between a fast settlement offered to a victim and a settlement offered via an attorney can be astounding, so it is always wise to follow up with an attorney in this case. 
  • The other party claims you are to blame: If you are the victim, but the other driver attempts to turn things around and make it look like you are actually responsible, a lawyer can help you sort things out. When someone tries to shift the blame to you, they are trying to cut their own costs — if you are found to be partially liable, then your eventual compensation for your injuries could be reduced. If someone tries to blame you, you need an attorney to help make sure your case is not damaged and you are treated fairly in court. 

Get Help with your Car Accident Injuries

We understand just how disruptive and damaging a car accident can be — and that a single incident can have a significant impact on your life. When you’ve been injured in a car accident and don’t know what to do, or are feeling pressured and treated unfairly, we can help. Get in touch today for immediate help with your case and talk one on one about your specific details. We’re here to help you during this difficult time.